The Ant Mill

W.A.C.K.E.D.-Get a Grip

2012-04-27T10:55:00.001-07:00

The saying "it is the simple things that make us happy" is true. No one can argue otherwise, nor would want to. It is our nature to take the complex and boil it into the most easily tangible thing our psyche can digest. Relationships represented by things like rings, a pocket knife, a watch, or a picture. It isn't always the thing as it is the memory it links us to. We extend this into many realms of our lives by the things we choose to buy and use. Things that may have no direct link to people in our lives as much as other things that are bound to our memories. Some part from our first car, a certain t-shirt, a pair of shoes. Of course, inherent in all this is how things, memories and relationships are all woven together in a very complex fabric that can only be kept in fragments over time.

Deep thoughts for such a simply themed little blog huh. It all came to mid when I was unwrapping a set of handlebars. peeling away the old, worn, foam strips made me thinks of the time spent holding them. After opening the box for the new wraps, and starting the process of wrapping the grips up, I found myself just enjoying the experience. With the new grips, a new color, and a better wrap job than the previous pair, it was warming to just sit on the saddle with my hands in the new but familiar cushioned riding cradle. That started me wondering why it was so enjoyable. The least technical part of the bike was those grips. Likely even the least expensive part. A comfortable saddle, and grips are the points that we connect to a bicycle. The interface between man, and machine. It is that connection were the memories live.

Now I am working on a "new" old bike. It had been living in the rafters of my shop waiting for it's turn on the bench. I picked it up a few years ago in a farm pile, and without the parts to do much more than wait, it hung in there for its day. I dont know the last time it was ridden, but never by me. so it is a new life and fresh start for it once it is finished. That means taking a fresh look at what I want to do with it.

So now I have to get a grip on this bike. I have always wanted to use some Brooks grips, but I have those in mind for a few different bikes already. I have a multitude of brand, color, and style on other bikes. But I want something different. As I said, a fresh look.

Spurcycle is a new startup that makes small grip rings in various colors that combine to build whatever grip configuration one can imagine. They have a grip builder on their site that lets you configure the color variants to see how they will look. It is a nice new and fresh approach to how you connect to your bike. Once you have the colors figured out, you have to go to their kickstarter page to make a pledge which will get you a package of rings depending on the amount you pledge. You can look at as buying the rings, or as making an initial investment into a new company and getting a free product in return. Either way, you get something new and unique that is not available yet otherwise. They hope to have them for sale on their site by June or July of this year if the Kickstarter launch is successful. It is always good to see the industry grow.

My hope is that by the end of July, this bike build will be finished with a set of their grips. I can't wait to try them out. Unfortunately I have yet to pick the saddle, and have hit a brick wall in finding one that fits the look in my minds eye. Of course, I have a lot to do before that will be a problem, lots of cleaning, polishing, greasing, and reassembling. Until then I still have the familiar and fond memories in the other bikes in my stable, and lots of other new things in life to get a firm grip on.

W.A.C.K.E.D.-An Idea With Balls

2012-04-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

As this blog has mentioned before, bicycle technology has not changed much in the last 100+ years. Other than styling, or materials like alloys and carbon fiber, bicycles have proven little need to evolve much further. It is hard to perfect something that is nearly perfect already. It is however, small advances or completely different approaches to the status quo that have brought us things like hydraulic brakes, electronic transmissions, and now completely gear-less drive trains.

The bicycle drive train typically comes in two types, external, and internal gear. The external gearing is the derailleur type. The internal is a series of gears inside the hub that generally range from 3-7 speed configurations, and are a favorite for lower maintenance on city bikes and cruisers. All use at least one sprocket on the drive side of the hub to transfer power to the wheel and likely will always have to until we can harness magic to replace the chains, belts or shafts that use our pedal power to make us move.

NuVinci has released a new approach. In 2007, NuVinci (Fallbrook Technologies) brought us the first planetary bearing drive. The hub was well received but considered large and heavy. Similar to the internal hubs, the new NuVinci N360 would look much the same on the outside as any three or 5 speed out there but unlike its 2007 predecessor, smaller and lighter. The difference, other than the single chain drive cog, it is completely gear-less. It is not a 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, or whatever speed, but infinite. Without gearing, there is no combination of gears to count to determine the shift-able options. Instead, it has ball bearings that rotate and tilt on a center line and form increased or decreased resistance. This changes the drive torque needed to move much like shifting gears with a derailleur. Since their is no transition from one gear to the next, shifting is seamless and smooth without loss of power.

In a standard configuration, it has a similar power range to most common drive systems. Changing the front chain ring, or the hub's drive sprocket to different tooth counts can customize the range to virtually all set ups. For now it is not a major threat to existing competition drive trains, but as it evolves and takes on more specific design flavors, it is becoming a serious alternative for commuters, cruisers, and other recreational applications.

The shifter is a grip shift with a display that changes incline to reflect shifting changes.

The NuVinci hub on a Jamis Commuter

Personally, I have always been a huge fan of internal geared hubs. My favorite bikes have been 3 and 5 speed Raleigh, and Schwinns. I even have a Huffy Sportsman 3-speed that gets more use than some of my other bikes with derailleurs. The NuVinci N360 may be a descent replacement for the derailleurs and cassettes that I was hesitant to replace before for a more limited shifting range. For a touring bike this hub eliminates adjustment issues on the road with a derailleur. Making adjustments on a ride is familiar to many, as well as having to make repairs of bent derailleurs, pulling rocks from a cassette, or even occasional oversight to the degree of wear on the sprockets. No more having to hope it will make it, or roadside repairs to the most common problem source other than a flat tire. I myself have experienced accidental bumps and bashes to derailleurs that ended rides half way from someone's bike falling into mine, or from unloading at the start point. This is a promising technology that eliminates just one more thing that can go wrong, and one of the largest headaches of bike maintenance.

W.A.C.K.E.D.-Inspired

2012-03-31T11:06:00.001-07:00

Sometimes innovation comes from combining simple things. Revisiting old ideas in different ways, new forms, with new materials. The cycling world lends to many innovations in areas not related to cycling other than the use of similar components. Wheelchairs, walkers, super stealth jets, and magic bagpipes are examples of such miracles of bicycle evolution. Bikes are a large part of the inspiration for design, and even art... like these.

Design

Made by students, a recumbent style electric vehicle powered by a single cordless drill and wood. It has a graceful artistic look and an appealing design that strikes the feeling of a soap box racer mixed with awesome. It can be used to get somewhere with some practical use, and still be fun. Personally I would like to see the addition of a bicycle drive-train to make either pedaling or electric an option. For more, visit http://www.rennholz.com/bilder.html. A great idea and a good start to fun options to the typical e-bike or those odd mini scooters.

Art

Next is not a functional anything other than visually functional (maybe). This blog has featured other art inspired by bikes before, and an appreciation of either bikes or art is always welcome here. Here is an art piece by Xia Hang. No name as yet, and it is pending an official release, (I has an news scoop!) so, here is a sneak peek.

Not really sure what IT is other than "art", but the wheels and a few components of the piece are obviously bike influenced. That or influenced by alien chariot tricycles that are mind powered.

Okay, maybe the magic bagpipes where a bit of a stretch on things inspired by cycling, but the point is valid, there are countless common and uncommon things with roots tied to bikes. Yes even the super stealth jet (flight was made possible by the Wright brothers-with bike parts in a bike shop).

W.A.C.K.E.D. Butterfly Effect

2012-03-23T07:44:00.003-07:00

It never fails, this world of ours is always finding new ways to shock and surprise me. Just when I think that the craziest or most unlikely things have been spent from the purse of possibilities, it reloads with a vengeance. Cycling has had more than its fair share of nutty, odd, strange, and plain ridiculous ideas to counter every good idea. So why did this one surprise me. To say the least it gives wings to designers to keep thinking of more... but more of what.

The problem with riding a bike in the city is always one of being seen. Without notice, cars and pedestrians become an obstacle course. It is an old problem that any number of bike lanes, laws, and lights do not seem to offer enough help to solve. So how do we increase awareness? Commercials reminding people to watch out for cyclists have not seemed to work, nor have signs or any other idea I have seen. Of course, that is until the Bike Butterfly.

Rather than making oneself more visually noticeable throughout a ride, the Butterfly makes you more visible to an offender (of not seeing you). They step off the curb, and poof! They are presented with a lunatic with an exploding wingspan. Surely they will remember from then on to look before dropping a foot off the curb. Because a guy on a bike that suddenly has fairy DNA is far more memorable than the permanent damage a car can do to a person stepping off a curb blindly. To quote Bill Engvall, "you can't fix stupid".

While impressive in its design, colorful, and maybe even cool for some super hero looking for a unique hook, for a cyclist, it just is plain weird. I suppose it will have a limited cool factor for those that like to show things off or be funny, but the more serious side of the purpose behind this design just will not cut it.

Do not get me wrong, I want one. It will go great with my Halloween costume for next year, but selling this to cyclists as a safety device is as odd as anyone believing it will work. It is a novelty, the same as wearing a giant silly hat would work to solve the problem. Being noticed in car and pedestrian traffic will always be a problem considering human attention span beyond the immediate. It would be safe to look before crossing a street, but that new app on my phone is just sooooo cool.

Honestly, people cannot be bothered to stay clear of trains. A better way to solve this problem is to design a cow catcher that is durable and light for the front of bikes. Because like trains, you may as well reduce your own risk from their ignorance. Although, the butterfly does have more potential if there were lasers mounted on it. Nothing says "pay attention" like seeing a hapless pedestrian get vaporized by a nut with butterfly wings on a bike. I'm sure I would start looking before crossing after seeing that just once.

If you are looking to buy one, be aware, that the site currently shows all models as sold out. Either there is a HUGE demand for them, or raising giant butterflies to harvest the wings is proving difficult. Best of luck if you want one...

W.A.C.K.E.D. Pinned to an Idea

2012-03-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

As of late the momentum of social sharing has shifted. The multitude of sharing sites, tools, and software over the years is staggering. Many failures, and numerous social divisions have formed keeping sharing to cliques depending on the community or venue an individual chooses to jump on and share with. The sharing dynamic has now reached a new level though, and it is Pinteresting to see...

Like many, I started noticing friends on Facebook randomly posting things via Pinterest. Since the number of Apps that people use and I see drool down my feed it passed without much care on my part. Like a snowball, it moved from a random trickle to a steady stream. Of course, i'm always on board to try something new, and despite many let downs in the sharing apps and sites I have tried, I signed up.

Maybe I am unique, but most of my life I have always liked making lists. As a youth, I would compile fantasy lists from catalogs for all the toys I wanted. Later, it was car stereo equipment, then fishing gear. Catalogs are now unending on the web. Access to them is not limited to knowing someone that would get them in the mail. Soon after signing up, I found myself in a mode similar to a obsessed collector or hoarder.

My own Pinterest boards.

Oddly, in this new incarnation, making these lists is more fun. It works as a bookmark to things you may find while shopping or browsing along. A central place to keep your Amazon wishlist, along with your Backcountry.com list or anything you find virtually anywhere online, even logging some fun things found while Stumbling. You can pin anything from recipes to videos.

Besides the mild excitement from having an item that I pinned, liked, or re-pinned, I could see what others have listed themselves and add things I may never have found. You can follow, or be followed. From Zombie Apocalypse lists, to Fashion shopping lists, if there is an interest, there is a collection on Pinterest, or room to add your own.

My first list was an Apocalypse theme. No, i'm not writing this from 30 feet below ground in a concrete bunker, sitting on my stockpile of ammunition and crackers. It was just a fun list to make. That list soon evolved into a new list of Adventure Gear. With Hiking and biking season now approaching, we have been breaking out the backpacks and gear. While going over what we have, and what we will need for this year, I decided to pin the list. It morphed into a monstrous survival cache that far exceeds our funding or need. But it was a blast to make. It also serves as a wishlist and a reference for things found and where. If I need to get some new boots, I have several pinned on the list to check out.

The Adventure Gear Board

Some of the fun comes from the social side of the app. Friends can comment, like, and share items from one another. It adds a dynamic that helps one feel less insane for making the list, or in some cases, look more insane. I was sure my apocalypse list was going to stir some friends up and garner some snide comments. Nope. Instead, others began to make their own, and I was surprised the things they had pinned. The there is that "one guy" who just shocks everyone with a list of cat breeds he likes, or that seemingly sweet, dainty little woman from work that pins her obsession with serial killers and autopsy photos.

Pinterest really adds a new dimension to the social world by bridging the gap in sharing communities. It also allows you to link to Facebook, and Twitter to make your finds and pins part of the days social interaction. As with all concepts, it sometimes takes several attempts to stick. There surely have been other "similar" apps and sites like this, but without a following, the social aspect failed. Pinterest seems to have the magic mix. Give it a try, and look me up, it only adds to the fun to have others with similar interests involved.

W.A.C.K.E.D.-Tired of Tires

2012-03-09T08:26:00.001-08:00

One of the greatest weaknesses in a bicycles design is the wheel. One sharp bite from a stray shard of glass, thorn, or metal, and it can ruin your ride. Even the more prepared that carry extra tubes or flat repair patches and such still lose the time spent. Fragile spokes, complicated wheel building, and rims that even with a good tire can get wrecked at the edge of a water filled pothole, curb or tree root. It is not uncommon to see a bike accident due to a tire, or wheel failure. Hopefully those days soon will be over...

For the past few weeks, while getting some gear planning done for the upcoming spring hiking season, I have been bouncing across sites that I otherwise do not usually see. While hunting down some items, the dead ends that come up in searches for some great new camp stove, or pedometer phone charger sometimes ends at sites with things working through the design and concept phases. Along with what I was hoping to find there is a slew of other stuff. That is how I came across some new wheel designs being prototyped and tested.

A few of the bigger tire brands that spread from automotive to bicycle tires, such as Michelin, and Bridgestone, are working on wheels that are airless. Rather than the solid rubber rigid and unforgiving ones we have seen before, these are really interesting. So far they have been focused on making them for the military, and soon after commercial use on cars, trucks and SUV applications. As such is the food chain, cycling will eventually receive versions of their own. In some descriptions of the wheels they have actually been compared to large futuristic bicycle wheels, so the leap is hardly very far.

Folding Airless Wheel from Urban Bicycle Concept Design
by Victor M. Aleman

We have seen the designs already in some concept models. Mostly only computer generated or mock-ups, but the idea is not new, only not yet achievable for production. With the bigger tire producers developing the designs now, those concepts can in part become a reality. Imagine a bike where the spokes are replaced with a synthetic honeycomb. A strip of tread would be bonded to the outer surface, similar to a large rim, low profile tire for a car. The wheel would remain rigid, depending on the amount of weight, and force applied to the wheel, or until a change in the riding surface warrants more force to overcome than the weight of the bike and rider can allow smoothly. With a normal bike tire that means a solid jolt, such as hitting a root on a bike path. With the new designs, the wheel's honeycomb design would compress with the impact and absorb the force without passing it farther up the frame to the rider.

I can certainly see these designs being pursued by the mountain biking crowd. For everyday riders, city commuters, and even kids, this design means more than just shock absorption, but a new level of dependability. No more flats. Those curbs, seams in the road, or bumpy paths will be much less threatening as well.

As you can tell by the nature of the pictures, they are being developed for virtually every application. The examples may not be bicycles, but they do illustrate how obstacles are absorbed in the body of the "spokes" in the wheel and reduces the energy and shock transferred to the vehicle. When applied to the bicycle design, this can be a huge difference in ride comfort and completely change the nature of many parts of the sport/recreation. A typical commuter bike with these wheels would be easily run off road with much the same ride feel as some of the dual shock mountain bikes.

Bridgestone Tire design

It will also simplify some aspects of bike maintenance. Without the contemporary spoked wheel, wheel building, balancing, tire and tube changes, will cut a huge chunk out of the worry and cost of keeping a bike on the road. It will also eliminate the need to carry an air pump. The amount of weight difference is yet to be seen, but for a bicycle, replacing the metal from spokes and rim with a possibly lighter synthetic can be a big difference. The tire rubber is also reduced to a tread strip rather than a tires body.

It will be interesting to see the timeline for wheels like this to become a reality for cycling, and to see the impact it has on future design, and the competition sport side of it. Hopefully it does not take long, because it has me really wanting some.

Freeze Until Stupid

2012-03-01T10:56:00.000-08:00

While stumbling around the other day, I came across an older article on Treehugger.com. The article takes on the way that colder climate communities manage resources after snowfall. The argument of the author is that cities spend their budgets to benefit private interest by plowing roadways before sidewalks and bike paths. Sometimes Stumbling can derail a good day into a irritated rant of disgust...

Needless to say after reading this I was completely stunned at the complete stupidity behind the entire article. Does this author know that ambulances, firetrucks, police, and the entire network of resources used by everyone in a city depend on the roads? If a city spent their budgets on clearing bike paths and sidewalks first even a devout cyclist would complain when an ambulance is stuck several blocks away in the snow when they are having a heart attack from shoveling their driveway.

As much as I am for the use of bicycles, common sense does not get checked in at the door. Those that use a bike during the winter months are fully aware of how the city they live in prioritizes path and sidewalk access. They know that with enough snowfall, that some days they just have to find another way to get somewhere. It is a bicycle, and not the most efficient design for severe winter weather (unless you have the one picture below). To complain about the city not catering to cyclists during winter months is easily the best way to make cities want to ignore cyclists as a whole and label them "kooks". It is always morons that have no concept of reality and cannot think past their own purpose or need, that makes things harder for everyone else.

Better than your average road bike in snow.

The numbers for winter cycling is interesting. The Author must not have a concept of services by need and use. He cites another article that states-spending the bulk of money on car access is "unfair, unbalanced and undemocratic". Overall, cyclists in the U.S. make up 2% of trips. That means 98% of trips are by car. In winter, only 20% of that 2% continue to ride. Many of the cyclists that do not ride in winter do so because of the temperature, not the snow. So it does not matter if there is one inch of snow on the bike path or thirty. With his argument, it is just as unfair that Walmart employees do not have their own traffic lane that gets priority maintenance over the rest.

To extend my observation of the articles lack of "getting it", again, you can follow the link to see it in full, but here are the pictures the author thought fit his point best. Upon looking at the pictures I wondered why someone would complain about the roads condition when their own front steps and the bike they intent to ride are not cleared off. I'm sure if the city cleared the sidewalk there would be a complaint that the city damaged their bike along with a law suit with pain and suffering due to an emotional attachment to their now deceased left pedal.

photo credit Andyscamera

The next picture really exemplifies his complaint well, that road in the background certainly looks well maintained with an unfair balance of resources. With so much money being thrown at driving over the snow to pack it down instead of plowing I would be angry as well (sarcasm implied).

Photo Credit Laurie Mcgregor

This is the reason why there is resistance to giving any budget money to cycling at all. Those that you give an inch, always want a mile. The rest of us that would revel having the inch get screwed by the louder idiots that ruin it because they lack the ability to use mental functions other than selfishness. I am glad that my community clears the roads in a systematic way by need and use. It starts with emergency access, main thoroughfares and then down to alleys and goat trails. If the author of the treehugger article even rides in the snow at all, and his path is not clear... in the event that his bike gets stuck, get off, pick it up, and move on. Maybe he would like to try that with a firetruck if his home was on fire. Despite this guy and his opinion, people that ride in winter still manage to face the challenge.. most of them willingly and with a smile.

W.A.C.K.E.D.- Bicycles that Serve

2012-01-20T07:47:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit-Bicycle-Evolution

This Friday is going to be about not only a concept, but a practice that is being revisited and reinvigorated. It seems foreign to some to see a bicycle used by anything more than a child, teenager or some health kook. In American history bikes have served many functions in service, business and public protection. Those uses are back on the rise and may even look familiar to you.

Photo Credit-Brooks England

Photo Credit- Old Bike

When a fire is reported, we are all familiar with the sound of the big rig fire trucks, the sirens, the rumble of heavy diesel engines rushing a crew of heroes to save both man, beast, and property from the ravages of fire. The equipment they use is state of the art and the obsession of grade school boys the world over. Now imagine having a town that is too small for their own Fire Department. It can take valuable time waiting for that first hose to hit the flames, so some communities had an innovative concept. Mind you most of the ones I found were not recently implemented (1900's) and mostly European or in Asia, but the idea is stirring in the US with small communities in the face of smaller budgets. As a Fire bike, it only brings a hose to the scene, but for some cases, that may make a big difference.

Photo Credit-The Heathcote Valley online

Photo Credit-EMS.com

Photo Credit-Drexel University

The EMT's often related to the Fire Department is a much larger cycling force. For reasons of effectiveness in areas with high traffic or are difficult to access with cars or EMT type vans or ambulances, First response bikes are becoming very popular. Even in heavy tourist areas you can spot them pushing around crowds, or running along curbside to get somewhere fast.

Photo Credit-Swiss Bikes

Much the same as with Police Bikes. Even in towns very near to me are Police Bicycles weaving through traffic and darting into alleys after bad guys. Its difficult to take an officer seriously while writing a ticket when he is in skin tight lycra, and only armed with a small taser gun. I imagine the taser is less likely to go off in the event of crash. Some officers do dress more "Cop-like" wearing merely the cop issue cargo shorts and short sleeve shirt. Whatever the application, it is becoming a more popular alternative to $100,000+ service vehicles. The Police officers look less donut powered, and more Gatorade than coffee. Either way, it is a concept that is nice to see growing into more common practice, like it was in the old days.

Photo Credit -NJ.com

Photo Credit-City of Tyler .org

W.A.C.K.E.D.- Freeaakky Friday

2012-01-13T15:34:00.000-08:00

Presenting the first What A Concept K Edition for 2012. Now, I am going to keep the K because it just sounds better than using L to represent 12 (the 12th letter in the alphabet i.e. 2012). WACLED just does not have a ring to it. So rather than my original idea of lettering the year, it will just stay that way as the founding year. With that detail dealt with lets move on to the madness... of Friday the 13Th!!!

It has finally snowed and turned the fair Wisconsin landscape into its familiar winter white. Despite a number of people falling through the ice this year on the lakes, it really has been an uneventful winter season. Now that we have snow in a respectful amount to use for stuff, winter sports can now begin. For some that means putting the bike in the garage to hibernate until spring, and even with the extended riding season this year with the warmer start to winter, that is just not good enough for those that like to pedal as much as they can.

To get this right, many think that because the word bicycle means 2 wheels limits them to just that then no, your wrong. Trikes, and unicycles are lumped into the "cycling" umbrella, as are most things that require you to pedal for power. Sure that is a lot of generalization, and many will argue and split hairs, but it is what it is.

All of that babble had a point (despite the rarity that I ever have a point), and that was to introduce some concepts both new and old to get cyclists out in the winter. Not just screwing metal studs into tires, oh no, this is winter cycling taken to the extreme.

First comes from an old article depicting a toboggan cycle. I remember having a plastic version of this when I was a kid, so the idea did not die with this picture. It was fun, but in truth, the sled my friend had was like sitting on an ice rocket. While the concept has merit for being functional, it isn't an optimized method for shooting down a big hill, and since it cant be powered with anything more than gravity, not my top pick.

Second, is actually several types of the same concept. A bike with a ski or ice blade at the front, and a spiked tire, or tread at the back. The design dates back almost as far back as the first designs of the bicycle.

Notice the date on the above picture? 1885. That says that mankind has been trying to ride bikes through winter since nearly the dawn of being able to ride bikes at all. Sadly, not much has improved since the original designs with the exception of materials, and styling. The schematics below show multiple variations of the designs.

So far most of these are complete bikes that are winter bikes only. Of course with some creative inner-tube placement they may work behind a boat, but do so at your own risk. There is however a way to convert your old bike, or your regular ride into a snow and ice friendly beast of winter. Since I have not tested one personally, I cannot vouch for how well it works. All you do is swap your wheels for the ski and track unit, and presto, ice bike. The Ktrak kit isn't hard to find, just do a Google search and you can find some interesting videos and shopping options. The idea has stood the test of time for sure, with modern materials catching up to make the designs more usable this may be a concept that makes the turn from oddity to at least one kook in every town.

For Friday the 13th im playing it safe and not giving a rating but rather sticking to generic approval. Maybe after midnight when I emerge from my underground bunker I will throw caution to the wind and make a slightly critical comment at this post. Otherwise..Happy Friday!

Cycling in the New Year

2012-01-09T15:59:00.000-08:00

Welcome To the new year. Ok, we have been in it for about a week or so, but I'm back from the holiday so being late does not count. Anyway, it is now in the swing of the official winter season, and strangely winter forgot to show up here...

I am told it is on it's way, but for a January in Wisconsin, being able to go for a bike ride on a back road without worrying about ice, snow, or freezing to death, this is great. I actually was able to go the other day wearing only a Columbia fleece zip up, and a warm hat (the wind is still cold on the ears). Granted I'm not in any kind of training mode for this time of year, nor am I a competitor of any kind. I am just your regular old guy that likes to ride a bike and has a chance to extend his season of joy.

As far as getting into the shop for some necessary winter therapy, I am happy to postpone some projects for ride time. The list of bikes to work on is long, and I'm sure there will be plenty of days to get to them soon. In fact they are saying that the arctic bubble is shifting towards us now...yay. At least I have new tires on the family van to face the snow when I have to make a parts run.

Hopefully there were a record number of kids of all ages (from the young to the young at heart) that received their bicycle dreams for Christmas. Either a new bike, or those components to pimp up your favorite ride, there is always a welcome place for cycling in Christmas. As for the New Year, I am sure I am not alone with resolutions on more saddle time, and a smaller butt to plant on that saddle. By the way, I am still searching for that smaller butt, and am taking applications now (ages between 34-43, female that does not mind kids or a crazy guy like me). I already have a number of bikes for said applicant, but some interest in riding them is preferred. (This is not endorsed or sanctioned as a formal dating request and is subject to review by author).

Yes, this is a plain little generic post today, but I am getting back into the swing of the keyboard for the new year, and wearing the finger nails back into nubs for that more familiar typing feel. If you are receiving the mild weather enjoy, it will not last. So below are a few links dedicated to winter biking and how to gear up.

Have a great ride!

http://bikewinter.org/
http://www.icebike.com/

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T13:15:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! The next post will be coming in the New Year, so until then and to all, may you have a wonderful Christmas, and a happy New Year. Many thanks and much gratitude to all of you for such a great year and such promise for the one to come. Wishing everyone great joy and happiness, and a year full of two wheeled fun.

Merry Christmas!

What A Concept 12: Corroded Concept

2011-12-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! What a concept brings us a weathered idea this week that surely will fascinate. Some things are always more interesting when designs meander off the beaten path, but that doesnt always mean it is a good idea, or bad either. Isn't that definitive! Lets check out this weeks installment of the What A Concept! K.ed Volume 12.

In the time I have been out rescuing old bikes, and trying to restore as many as I can, the biggest enemy of our two wheeled friends is rust. It rests in scratches in paint, festers, weakens lugs, destroys gears, cables, and pits our chrome finishes. It's nasty, and never ends its assault.

Part of the attraction to older bikes is the patina they acquire over their years, and much like people, develop a visual personality that is unique. Rust is a part of that patina, but not a kind, or truly welcome one. Because of its destructive nature, the very presence of it spells trouble.

photo-Partisan Vodka

That having been said, introducing the winner of the Partisan Vodka's bicycle competition. The FeO2. Two teams were given 700€ and six weeks to create a unique bike that could be replicated for a short, promotional run. The winning entry (the FeO2) from the trio of Hans Steinkopf, Sebastian Faber and Christian Görmer. It has been forcibly oxidized and accessorized with some interesting military style pieces. A front rack holds an army surplus woolen blanket, that is secured by a regulation leather belt. A custom leather pouch mounted below the Brooks leather saddle, contains a flask that resembles a gas can.

Photos-Partisan Vodka

Overall, from a slight distance this bike looks rather nice. Somewhat classic styled and interesting. But that rust bothers me. A matte paint in a brown or "rust" color would have been sufficient to create the effect without inviting the grim reaper to a new bike. Oh, but its just a texture, a finish for an artsy appeal! So what, the one thing bikes have going for them is their practical nature. Usefulness in a package of fun with some allowance for self expression. Paint was introduced to bike frames to not only add color, but to stop rust from appearing like this. Why? Because as I said before, its destructive, it shortens the usable life of a bike, and it can stain your pants.

If offered in a better finish, it would be not much different than a number of already made bikes, with the exception of the flask, and blanket, which, I'm sure you can find if you really want to add them. This moves design away from making advances, to going sideways in an effort to impress, assumably, hipster types.

Aesthetics are important, and as such are the reason why so many finishes are available. For those that do not like paint, there is chrome, or bare metals that do do not oxidize. There is also carbon fiber. It just seems a waste to put forth the effort to hand build a bike to be given such a limited usable lifespan.

Total rating? Need to even ask? well, be surprised, because its only a 5 Hipstars. The rust thing really did take down what could have been a neat theme idea with the can, and blanket, but those were not enough on their own to merit more than 1 Einstar... After all, those components are only decorator touches. I did however like the bar sweep, the rack/with bar stem clamp and the offset rods off the side of the head tube. Of course the Brooks leather is nice, just not unique.

5 Hipstars!

The Season of Giving

2011-12-14T13:44:00.000-08:00

A bike is something that just cannot be taken for granted for children. It is freedom, exercise, transportation and the beginning to the mobility that is our society. Unfortunately some kids just can't have one. Some just cannot afford the most amazing gift a child can get.

Enter bike shops like Michael's Cycles (Janesville, WI.) They donate nearly 40 bikes from their stock of children's bike trade-ins to the Salvation Army. Rebuilt, lubed, and tuned up before the Salvation Army takes them to give to families in need for Christmas. That is the spirit of Christmas, and is a gift bigger than the bikes themselves. The cost to bring these bikes back to life to be passed on to a new owner is no inexpensive affair.

There are many bike shops that perform acts like this, and we are all thankful for them. If you would like to know what your local bike shop does, stop by and ask, many are very proud of their efforts. These are the kinds of things that bring back my business, and it shows a depth of service that extends into the community.

If you happen to find yourself at Michael's, or in a shop that does the same, give them a thank you, and wish them a Merry Christmas from us all.

New York: A Bone To Pick

2011-12-12T07:58:00.000-08:00

Something quick and painless today. Came across a link to something very interesting (or so I think) concerning Bicycle mortality and the bones of New York's bike racks..

Visit http://www.skeletonsnyc.com/ to see the remains left behind by bike thieves. While the site owner Marko Vuorinen, states that its where bikes go to die, I can only say that I would love to have those parts that remain to bring them back to life again!

Enjoy the link...Happy Monday.

What a Concept 11: A Concept Far Far Away...

2011-12-10T12:22:00.001-08:00

So last night I was sitting down to write the Friday What a Concept post, when my kids asked if they could pick a movie to watch. I refused, telling them "not on a school night". They corrected me, and proclaimed that it was Friday, the usual movie night. And that is when I realized my week was off by one day. So here is this weeks Friday post, only on my Friday, not yours.

As we approach Christmas, I am reminded of the wonderful world of Star Wars as I search the stores for a gift for my boys. Imagine my surprise when later I stumbled across a great StarWars toy in the grand webosphere under bike concepts.

The Dubike is a concept folding bike designed by David Fionik, a student at the Poland Bialystok Technical University. The bike was created as a student project. Many were impressed by the bikes unique design, and was one of the top 35 projects in the 2007 SolidWorks design Contest. Fionik claims inspiration from the show Orange County Choppers.

I contest some of that. While an interesting and cool design for sure, it is not as original as many seem to think it is. In fact, it would seem that the design owes a great deal to ILM (Industrial Light and Magic) of StarWars fame. Please, compare the images and decide for yourself.

On the Top is the StarWars Destroyer Droid. The one at the bottom is the Dubike

The Major differences between them is the minor issue of one being a heavily armed blaster bearing weapon of death, the other a bike. The similarities in design make me wonder about the true inspiration of the design. Maybe its just an awesome coincidence. Either way, since it certainly doesn't look like a typical folding bike, its going to get a heavily biased StarWars fan, full Einstar review. It certainly is something I would add to my collection.

6 Full Einstars!

Wisconsin Updates Cycling Law

2011-12-05T06:01:00.000-08:00

Recently Wisconsin cycling laws have been changed to somewhat reflect the modern world. Changes to Wisconsin statutes were signed into law after approval from the State Senate/Assembly in the October floor session. More..

Rep Keith Ripp (Lodi)

The bill (AB265) was introduced by State Rep. Keith Ripp (R-Lodi) last September and received bi-partisan support. Among a few changes, it allows cyclists to use either hand for signalling rather than just the left.

"Every few years, state statutes need an update in recognition of what's going on in the real world," State Senator Jim Holperin (D-Eagle River) said. "That's what this package of bicycle law changes is designed to do."

"The old law, left over from the days when car drivers used hand signals, allowed only the cyclist's left arm to be used to signal a turn or stop," Holperin said.

Photo-Bike Fed of Wisconsin

Motor vehicles can now pass cyclists or other slow moving vehicles in a no passing zone if the vehicle is moving at less than half the posted speed. This is something that although the law may not have previously allowed for, was becoming common practice throughout the state.

With new technology and cycling adaptation, Act 73 will allow vehicles propelled by hand (recumbent bikes used by the handicapped for example) to be defined as bicycles. The law also allows for bicycle to use studded tires, which if you ride in the winter in Wisconsin is a necessity. Being able to switch or use an alternative red light in place of red reflectors is also included in the bill.

In addition the law addresses moped parking, which is currently allowable on public sidewalks. The change makes it available for local municipalities to regulate parking rather than a general statewide allowance since circumstance, environment, and situations may not be equal throughout the state.

The changes were lobbied by the Bike Federation of Wisconsin, and signed by the Governor on the 16th of November. While not a major paradigm shift in the cycling world, it brings common sense into the governance of common cycling practices. No regulations were added and no constrictions on cyclists were placed. In short, this is what successful laws should look like. Good job to those involved for making some positive advances for the State o Wisconsin.

What a Concept 10-Japanese Bombs

2011-12-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

TGIF! Ahhh, the end of the week is nigh and some great things are happening. Concepts are being born as you read this-some good, some not so much. This week brings two, sibling concepts, that share less than their maker.

Yamaha/Toyota Pas With

Yamaha and Toyota team up to bring the "Pas With" electric assist bicycle (quotes due to the confusing nature of the name "With"). A part of a cooperative project including Toyota's smart grid charging system, the bike is designed to go 62 miles at 15 mph as a commuter bike.

With all of the electric assist bike designs that have come out lately I am not impressed. Sure it is sleek and modern, but for practical design elements, it is lacking. Small wheel diameter with a shallow bottom bracket leave little pedal clearance for real streets, and for extra effort when not using the electric assist. For commuter purposes it has no storage to speak of, and due to the odd rear tail design it would be difficult to fit a rack without taking away from the pointy designs overall look. The seat looks out of place sticking out from the downward slanted top tube. The point is, there are better e-bike designs that could have been tapped to showcase Toyota's new energy programs.

A rating of 3 is all I can give for the design and the concept. Both companies are capable of far better, and from other projects that both Yamaha and Toyota are working on, this one just seemed like quick filler to attach to other projects. Oh, and the name just doesn't do much for it either. As for it being a Japanese bomb, its a dud.

Photos-Toyota, Gizmag

.Its a Split! 3 Hipstars / 3 Einstars

Yamaha Y125 Moegi

Last is the Yamaha Y125 Moegi. Making it's debut at the tokyo motor show, this Moped-Motor-Bicycle like creature is turning heads with its interesting modern-yet classic design. With a number of element cues similar to a bicycle, (the tires, fork, handlebars), the compact arrangement similar to a moped, and a 125cc motor. It is a light 176lbs, can get 188-225 mpg, 10-15 hp, and tops out around 75 mph.

While it surely is inviting to more urban users, in slower more congested traffic than it would to rural use, the styling may attract many from both environments. Caution though to those that plan to take it on faster routes since it may top at 75 mph, the small tire contact surface and passive tread that give it the look of early motorcycles that evolved from the balloon tire bicycles, there is a reason the tires became larger. Traction. It's light weight with a riders weight sitting higher in the center of gravity with such narrow tread means skid and flip.

Photos and video via Yamaha

That having been said, for short low speed runs, this thing looks like it would be incredible. For short back road trips in the countryside to go to town it appears to be the perfect alternative to riding a peddler on those sore, or just lazy days. Since I am not a "biker" by any stretch, do not own a Harley, or a crotch rocket, and doubt a moped would ever be a good fit for me, a motorcycle like this could actually bridge the gap. If it gets the right marketing, and Yamaha is clear to users about higher speed issues, this would be a great concept to see move into reality, the potential to be "The Bomb".

5 Einstars!

I'm Propelled to Comment

2011-11-29T10:30:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when riding a bike down a rather uphill road, (sometimes it seems uphill both ways) riding can become more tedious than fun. Sure, some find that a challenge and attack it with zeal, but others find it an obstacle to being more active on their bike. With electric assisted models becoming more prevalent in bike shops for just such a market, it is no surprise that others would seek to find their own way to profit from the trend.

Rather than making this a What a Concept post, I decided to make this a regular post about the progress that even some of the worst concepts can inspire. Not that I would single out any as being so badly conceived today, but to place a perspective on how progress is made.

Instead of following the electric trend, or reinventing the gas conversion kits that already exist in the market, some chose to spread out and try something new. The personal propulsion system called Thrust Pac, takes on more kinds of transportation than just a bike. If it has wheels, floats, or possibly can fly, this unit can make it easier to move it. Just strap one on, start it, and your off. Sure it seems a little "Rocketeer"-ish, can be a little noisier than most around you would like, and looks like overkill, but those hills just became less intimidating. With a price starting at $895, not including the vehicle you choose to propel with it, it sounds a little steep. Of course it can be more considerable if you factor that it works on more than just one vehicle. If you canoe, bike and roller blade, it will work for all three. If your like me, then finding a way to tie a chair to my push mower with a thrust-pac on back this may be worth it just for the fun and interesting ways to make stuff mobile.

By no means am I promoting this. To me it seems a tad excessive on many levels, and not enough in others, but it is a start in the direction of getting ideas brought into the battlefield of cycling. It also helps to show that there is no one dimensional approach to making bikes the alternative transportation it can be. The excuses of not being physically able to ride enough to use it instead of a car for short trips are fading, and soon with those excuses the ability will follow as the assist methods are used only to assist. People would become better able to go without them as usage increases. Those of us "old school" types scoff at the idea of an electric bike and power through those hills knowing we can coast down the other side and end up the better for the challenge. But as we get older, knees start to go, hips, or virtually any malady that may fall, I welcome the advancements that will keep me on the saddle for more years. Fortunately I have time for them to better perfect these means, so I do not have to strap a wind machine to my back, and look like a Cajun air boat on a bike. For those of you that do not have as much time, or are already looking, there are still the electrics that are currently available in the bike shops. In all honesty they have come quite a long way and work fairly well.

No matter how much time any of us has, what our condition or what our excuse, just keep in mind that in other parts of the world, the bicycle is used for far more than just riding. While we complain about that steep hill, I cannot imagine even travelling across a flat with some of the loads and things they use a bike to transport. So thank goodness for the progress made by even those that tried and failed. Besides giving us some entertainment on Fridays, you may just inspire an idea that will become the next big thing.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-23T10:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! The official holiday of over consuming food is upon us and it is followed by a day of rampant maniacal consumption of things. Many bike shops and dealers are having some great specials to gear up or find a gift for a fellow cyclist.

more...

Last week I posted a story on our Facebook page about a women that recovered her own stolen bike. [link] This I had come across after having posted the article You can Lock but Don't Touch. I commend the young woman for her actions with some caution. While it worked out well enough to make a headline story, things could have gone horribly wrong. Thankfully they did not in this case, but it confirms the topic of my article on making sure you secure your bike properly with the right locks. With Christmas around the corner it may be a good idea to get yourself or a fellow cyclist a good lock as a gift, just please refrain from buying those Lycra tights. Nobody likes to see those no matter how buff or studly you are.

With the coming of the Thanksgiving holiday, it amazes me how long the riding season here in Wisconsin has been this year. It has remained not only warm enough, but without ice or snow to impede a casual ride. No special tires, or layers of extra clothing needed. The only discouragement from a ride is the deer hunting season. For those that live in town it isn't such a show stopper, but out in the rural areas it certainly can be. A layer of orange may make you visible, but the general speed and flow of movement a bike travels is very similar to that of a deer. I may have some faith in a few of the local hunters, but the number of "out of towners" that have swarmed to the public hunting areas along all of my nearest roads makes me nervous. As such, I remain confined to the old Schwinn exercise bike. At least there is that outlet for prepping my body for the Thanksgiving calorie attack. I never say no to extra pie.

Unfortunately the lack of road time on the bike has not afforded me any extra time. With a book project underway, and a number of volunteer projects, it seems to be building to a typical Holiday season of being busy. May everyone have a happy and delicious Thanksgiving, and I will be back to normal posting next week.

What a Concept 9: Forever Bicycles

2011-11-17T20:35:00.001-08:00

It's Friday! Due to technical difficulties posting this week has been made difficult and as such delegated to be concentrated into this weeks what a concept post. My apologies. Although this week the concepts take a turn from the typical to something familiar, but different all the same.

Cycling is a passion, a sport, a tool of transportation, a toy for children, and an escape for adults. It is far more than just a one dimensional "thing" as so many items in our lives are. Since bikes have such a large role in society it is not surprising that along its growth through history that it has become the subject of art. Surely I am no cultured art critic, but it is not within me to look upon anything without forming some opinion. What a Concept looks at the more conceptual beauty and artistic side of the bicycle.

Let us look at the Forever Bicycles exhibit by Ai Weiwei. An artist from China, Ai has been "detained" from traveling with his art work to Taiwan where it is being featured at Taipei's Fine Arts Museum. The piece Forever Bicycles shows an amazing perspective of China's bicycle culture, history and future through a mass of 1000 welded together bikes. As you can see from the pics it is not just a mass of twisted metal, but a dimensional eye feast that despite being so massive-looks light, clean and surreal. Never having been much of a fan before of this kind of art, and besides my bias from the subject matter, it appeals to the OCD side of my brain while still being chaotic. The overall image gives me the idea of a heavenly bike rack floating in the clouds.

Photo-Getty

Photo- Reuters

Photo-The Telegraph

Photo-Aiweiwei.com

Ai Weiwei is an established artist, and the designer of the "Birds Nest" stadium for the 2008 summer games, and considered a dissident by the Chinese Government. In fact, while his art is traveling to Taipei, Ai has been detained by Chinese officials and held at a secret location. His Studio (pictured at left with the piece "Fountain of Light") was destroyed by the Chinese Government likely since some of his art is aimed against the communist govt. and politics of China. Ai produces works that combine pop culture with antiquity, and everyday items are given a grand treatment to contrast how we see them day to day. His work spans many mediums, from fine wood carvings of the Zodiacs, to monumental marble doors piles together. The bicycle has been a subject of many of his pieces, which reflects the importance within Chinese culture and how he views social changes. However we interpret his art, or his intentions to speak through them, the end result is some rather amazing visual spectacles. Yeah, even the one with him giving the bird to Tiananmin Square .

Since my rating scale does not currently reflect artistic relevance, lets replace the Einstar with a favorite artist of your choice. What a concept eh?

6 full Einstars!

What a Concept 8: Extreme Contrasts

2011-11-11T06:51:00.001-08:00

After a week of power outages, wet snow, ice, and Winter showing us that it has returned, we finally make it to Friday. This week I bring a contrast of concepts to show the diversity that bicycles inspire. From high tech to the lowest tech one can imagine, bikes are no stranger to being taken from something simple to the most complex ideas ever.

The Ecodrive

The Ecodrive is a bicycle concept design by Juil Kim. Entered into the 2010 Seoul Cycle Design Competition, it features an aluminum frame with integrated battery and electrical, a dyno hub, a front headlight, and turn signals. Other than the future cool of the low cruiser style, practical added elements of it's electrical set-up, this bike remains fairly simple in its design.

While I would personally prefer a more swept handlebar line with some moon bars, the Ecodrive for some reason keeps growing on me. Since it's design electric drive trains have become a more common element, and it would take little to integrate an electric assist into the concept. An i-Pod specific cradle in built into the top tube near the handlebars. This is my only gripe, but it is a minor one at best. I would prefer a more universal cradle for other kinds of smart phones for us Android or Blackberry users. That being said it wouldn't take much to come up with an adapter.

When I first laid eyes on this I had the same reaction I usually do to the modern futuristic concepts; they look all awesome and funky, but they are not practical. When I read through and checked out the details, the design has me thinking this is one of the most practical cruiser concepts I have seen. The Ecodrive has no lofty claims or intentions for being a super commuter, or touring rig. It retains its fun factor with functional purpose that make it a great casual ride. Maybe I'm missing something here, but as far as I can see, wow, why is this not something being pursued more for production.

This one gets a full block of Einstars. Kudos Mr. Juin.

6 Full Einstars!

The Cardboard Bicycle

Next is a concept by Phil Bridge. His aim was to design a recyclable bike that was worth nothing. Inspiration from stolen or vandalized bikes brought his cardboard creation so that he could have a bike that was "devoid of sentiment or cost", and thus would be a deterrent to thieves.

It is made of a waterproof honeycomb structured cardboard called Hexacomb. This cardboard is generally used for engineering tasks and so was used for the frame, pedals, and spokes. Durability is estimated to give this bike a 6 month lifespan with regular use, and would cost a whopping $25 bucks to make.

While I am sure the lifespan of this bike would be different for varying conditions and locations, it opens a few possibilities. Tourists and students could take advantage of them for obvious reasons. A bike like this would be a good addition to the home stable for rides to questionable areas, or for guests to use. It wouldn't be practical to have to buy many of these over the course of a year, so using them as a daily ride to school if there is a secure place to lock a regular bike doesn't fit the purpose. However if you have a class in an area of the campus that bikes tend to disappear at, switching over to this bike makes sense. Without riding it for every ride, it would prolong it's life and extend it's value. Nothing fancy, just a straight up transportation tool.

Another great idea. This one gets a full six pack of Einstars.

6 Full Einstars!

It would appear this week that I have been stumped to find a bad idea. I doubt however that this indicates a trend. Any great designs or concepts, both ridiculous or worthy, if you find them, please feel free to pass them on to me. I am always looking for more. Have a good Friday!

You Can Lock But Don't Touch

2011-11-09T10:52:00.000-08:00

Photo-Flickr

Locking a bike is a necessary evil. In a perfect world a lock would be useless, but alas, ours is not a perfect world. So to help educate, I bring you a small guide to explain and show the proper, and the improper methods of bike locking.

At first I considered showing different levels of security and the multiple types of locks that can be used depending on locking needs. Then I thought about how it doesn't seem to matter where you live anymore. If someone wants Opey Taylors bike these days, they take it. Even those with a state of the art Barney Fife security system installed on their bike, or how storybook perfect a town is, the threat exists.

I give to you some examples of how not to lock your bike. Normally logic or common sense would keep these methods from ever happening. And yet here they are.

If you look at those photos and see nothing wrong, get some friends to look at them and explain it to you. Attaching it to something that is solid, and continuous (not open ended) is important. Making sure that it (the lock) goes around the frame at a point where it does not allow the lock to simply slide off or through the bikes frame. Other than locking the frame, having the lock intersect both the frame and a wheel is even better. That will protect the bike as a whole and one of its most desirable parts; wheels.

The best thing for a more complete coverage lock is to keep it indoors, but since that is not an option when you are out and about, locking has to be done to stop, or at least discourage a thief. Locking it in plain site at a public place is a good idea. That makes it hard for a thief to break out the tools and begin taking it apart around the lock, or to start cutting the lock. Cutting off a lock in a busy public place is not impossible, but it is very discouraging to a thief. Not every place of business has a designated bike rack, and even if they do, many are not very well made or secured to anything. Pick something that has a good grip on a building or the ground. Preferably concrete, steel, or a substantial structure that is as strong as or stronger than the frame of your bike. Then make sure you have a good locking system.

Photo-Chicago Bike Program

Note, I did not say "lock", but locking system... big difference. A simple chain on its own can be cut. A U-lock is much more substantial and much harder to cut through. Bigger or beefier is better. Make sure it is large enough to span the inside of the inner triangle of your bike's frame, to the inside of one wheel, and deep enough to reach a locking point like a rack or pole. A secondary layer of security involves a cable lock or chain lock. Running the cable or chain lock through the frame, the U lock, the other wheel and possibly another pass around the locking point or structure. It seems like a lot of work weaving another lock through your frame, but it is worth the effort to secure your investment and the inconvenience of losing a bike.

Lets review. You need two things: A U-lock, and a chain (or cable) lock. Not a plastic bag, no duct tape, garden hose, nylons, bread ties, or rope. It may cost more, but get a lock made for bicycle locking, and get a descent brand. Any bike shop would be willing to help pick one out with you. They are usually rubber or vinyl coated, and U-locks and chain is specially hardened to be more cut resistant. An alternative to the chain is braided cable. A good quality cable is harder to cut or break than chain since it requires a different tool than the one needed to cut a U-lock. The U lock should also be of quality. Get one as thick and heavy as you can stand to carry on your bike.

Thieves do not just target stealing an entire bike. They will just as happily take your wheels, or any other component that can be easily removed. It is not practical to have a lock for every part of your bike, but it is a good idea to not make it any easier. Facing the drive side towards the rack or locking structure will make it difficult to access the majority of desirable parts a thief would want. If you are leaving your bike for a long period of time, take off any bags or accessories that can be easily removed. Keeping your bike set up simple is a big help. If you use your bike for commuting to school or work, you do not need a full touring rig set-up. That be a real pain to strip down and secure when locking it and leaving it for most of the day.

Another anti theft technique is the bike itself. The uglier the better. There are some great old bikes out there that ride and work great but look like they crawled out of the county dump. Thieves look for what can make them money, therefore a pile of rolling junk (or so it would appear) would not win a second glance. My old Schwinn Varsity is a good example. The paint is half gone, the components are thick with greasy dirt, and many of the parts of a rusty glow. It rides a little heavy, but for in town errands, it is perfect. With this old beast, I only wrap a cable lock around the front wheel and frame and skip the u-lock. If it were a more expensive, rare, or new bike, that would not be the case.

Sadly, this has to be a topic at all. Bike thieves are not always "professionals", but range from desperate crooks, to kids looking for kicks. It may not matter if you take every step possible to secure your bike, someone will find a way to steal it if they really want to. The best that we can do is to discourage those that look for an easy opportunity.

Let's Build a Bike!

2011-11-07T13:49:00.000-08:00

This last year has taken the cycling world back to the drawing board to try to attract more people to the saddle rather than the car seat. Many of these projects have brought out a number of ideas, but none as fabulous or impressive as my own...

Alright, maybe I do not have an original idea that is a fix all solution to get everyone riding a bike. Does it have to be an original idea though? Why do we need to reinvent the bicycle when we can just take the best ideas and put them all together in one? Lets get some perspective on my point though first.

The Oregon Manifest may have been in itself, a silly idea, in which I mean that their purpose was to redesign cargo bikes to increase bicycle use, because, yeah more cargo space on a bike will obviously replace an SUV in the minds of Americans. I will concede that while silly, it may have been a necessary step towards actually being productive to get more people on a bike. But an idea of such lofty goals can sometimes bring out the extremes of design from "didn't we already try that", to "wow, that's awesome".

Photo Credit OregonManifest.com

The winner of the manifest design challenge was Tony Pereira. His pink bike with what looks like the Hulk's lunch box mounted on the front, won the challenge with an amazing never before seen concept. It is a box with speakers mounted in it. The bike also has an electric assist drive train which has already become a fairly common design idea, but it also feeds USB charging ports in the box. The black box was touted as a way to bring drivers out of cars and offer familiar conveniences on a bike.

This discrete and sleek design (cough, cough) is the Oregon Manifests choice for what future bike designs should strive for. Do you see now why I think that there is something askew here? No? Well, let's consider the Huffy radiobike from 1955. The Radiobike came with a battery power pack (located on rear rack) the size of a brick. This powered an A.M. radio and a headlight.

Photo: LIFE

Notice the lack of a giant black box. Even with it's ancient electronics and battery it serves much the same purpose with a less invasive design. Swap the battery for a modern one (likely smaller with better output), the radio for a usb hub and better speakers, switch the hub on the rear wheel with an electric drive and you have the same features offered on a 58 year old design. And it looks better! Compare them side by side below and the whole black box looks even more ridiculous.

Photos by IDEO

So let us move on. Many of the bike designs looked very familiar in the sense of just about any touring bike. Modified racks, added electrics, and integrated locks were popular design tweaks. Most of the designs can be found in any bike shop already in some form or another.

The real innovation came from the creative collaboration portion of the event. The Faraday (built by IDEO and Rock Lobster) design. This bike won the peoples choice award of the event. It is a modern update of a classic French style utility bike with an almost invisible electric drive system. Instead of the cumbersome black box it has a front rack that can be quickly exchanged out for different styles depending on the cargo, stress; your choice. It also sports built in high powered lighting, and custom hand made leather bag and grips.

While better than the black box bike, this one learns from past design but lacks the fluff of the USB hub and electronics dashboard capability. Real progress in these designs would be to use the old Radiobike idea, and combine them with the Faraday and The Local (pictured below). Just insert the modern equivalent electronics to the Radiobikes tank design into a less clumsy more solid improvement. Using a design such as schwinn's cup holder into the top tube, but rather as a phone cradle or dock, and it becomes exactly the usable familiarity one could compare to a car. Simple isn't it?

THE LOCAL,

BUILT BY FUSEPROJECT

AND SYCIP DESIGN

With other improvements to features being made to bikes, such as automatic transmissions, throwing a mix together to appeal to drivers that only travel a few miles should be very straight forward. The previously mentioned "Local" (pictured at left) would be the alternative to those needing more grocery or cargo space for downtown shopping trips.

Since I am not a frame builder it isn't likely that one of these Frankenstein ideas of mine will be built unless someone of frame building skill wants to take the idea. As I said, it is just an accumulation of designs, but if you do, just give me credit for the idea, and send me one of the finished bikes please (Orange paint proffered).

What a Concept 7: Bikes Give Me Wood

2011-11-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

I still do not understand what happened. Just a few years ago, anything that caused a tree to get cut down was considered horrible, anti environmental, and evil. It went to such extremes that foresters and loggers were protested, vandalized and some killed by tree spiking in the effort to save trees. Now it seems the environmental crowd has gotten wood over making anything out of wood.

Some history

The Walking machine 1817

Wood is the latest craze in bike manufacturing. Wood was one of the first materials used to make bicycles. Even after turning to steel as a frame material, wood was used for the rims of wheels. Once steel became more accessible things changed. Bamboo, which was used way back in bicycle history in England in 1894, is also gaining popularity again. It seems every week another major bicycle manufacturer, or custom shop introduces a wooden model to their line up. Not that this is bad, but i find it interesting how the times change while staying the same. There are some very beautiful wooden bikes and designs that have made me say "wow". Then there are those that do not.

The Handmade Dutch

Photos: Jan Gunneweg

Dutch industrial designer Jan Gunneweg brings us a wooden marvel of both craftsmanship and design. The Bike is made of Walnut, and weighs less than 35 pounds. The design, (other than the single speed aspect) is graceful and solid. The design shows off his skills most heavily in the wheels. One large wooden spoke balanced against opposite side metal spokes create the structure of support. Gunneweg told Co.Design that the spokes "symbolize the legs of man," then added "balancing the wheels was pretty challenging because of the width of the wooden spoke."

As an art piece or limited production design, this is one of the few that manage to combine the multiple elements into a functional and attractive ride. Rather than making it a fixie using a three or five speed internal hub would have maintained the look of simplicity and made it more practical. The lack of brakes did not go unnoticed by me either. Since brake cables would have cluttered the look, as a design piece, if this ever becomes a model for future production bikes, I hope they add some. A hub kickback brake would really be rough on the thinner wooden chainstays so that would be a structural limitation with the wood. However internal cable routing, or nested grooves would conceal cables and add a proper set of features to the overall design.

With the design as it is, with no brakes, and one speed I will give it 4 Einstars. If those features were added and it were to somehow make it to at least a limited production, it would be fully deserving of a full 6.

Rating ~ 4 Einstars!

The Bamboo Scooter

Photos: Fritsch-Durisotti

As I mentioned earlier, bamboo is one of the "woods of choice" in new design concepts. There is so many different bamboo designs out there that it would hurt my head to try to count them. So I will focus on a new scooter by Fritsch-Durisotti. Leave it to the French to try to revolutionize transportation with a friggin' scooter for adults. Here is where I am confused by this. It has an electric assist drive. Sure, it is hidden really well, and as far as scooters go it looks all artsy and smooth, but seriously, this is for adults?

If I wanted something electric that I could get on and just ride somewhere without using a car, there are already options for that. A golf cart comes to mind, and I can load it with a crap load of groceries or buy out the clearance isle at Wal-Mart and get it home in one. If I had no cargo plans, then there is the Segway. If ever the mood strikes that I want to sit back and cruise around without effort, there are electric assist bikes. Now, that rare moment when pushing off a giant scooter or scooting for chicks at the park clouds my days thoughts, I will go buy a cheap drill and lobotomize myself.

this doesn't even look comfortable. (there is a seat somewhere)

When my 10 year old son looked at the picture of this thing, his first thought was how to make the front fork into a giant slingshot. That was the only part of the entire design concept that made sense and it wasn't even their idea.

Rating ~ 6 Full Hipstars!

Here are a few honorable mentions in the wooden bike design trend.

This fixie by Ken Stolpmann
features a wooden frame with cantilever seat beam.

Renovo Bikes wooden bike Gallery

Sanomagic Wooden Bicycles

Tino Sana Wooden Bicycle

What A Concept: Halloween Edition 2011

2011-10-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

It is the What A Concept: Halloween Edition... where the concept is slightly scarier than normal. But before I give you this weeks entry, I would like to share some history... some really, really disturbing cycling history.

In the 60's, informing kids and adults about bicycle safety was important with the boom in bicycle sales and use. Everyone was getting in on cycling, and many didn't know the dangers. The following video may be familiar to some as the tool used to teach kids the rules, and to scare them into using them.

That video was creepy when I first saw it, and still is.

Now for the concept...

This Weeks Concept is the bike/art piece by Eric Tryon. The Skeleton Bicycle is fully functional and articulated to move with the bike's movements. A very interesting idea, and made simply, but very well. Although I would have LED lights in the eyes, some sound effects, or scary accouterments attached to add to the creepiness, all it really needs is a hipster riding it to maximize the horror.

As a bonus to his Skeleton Bicycle, he has also made this little wire art, bike and rider piece. Just an honorable mention due to the sort of steam-punkish creepy feel it has.

The Final rating for this idea is a hard one. It is art, but it is also a fixie. It has a cool skeleton that moves while riding it, but it is a fixie. It is well made, and put together over the frame of the bike, plus the idea is a unique, and rather fun one. So it will get a 5 Einstars, and 1 Hipstar. The Hipstar because it is Art, and a fixie, in case you didn't catch that.

Rating ~ 5 Einstars!

and for more scary bike related fun here is some really scary pics...

It would be scarier with PeeWee Herman on it.

Helena Bonham Carter, Freeeaaaky

This is the Tim Burton Version of Schwinn